Whitesnake - Good to be Bad (SPV/Steamhammer) *****

3:59pm Friday 25th April 2008

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MOST groups celebrating a 30-year anniversary would simply be content to re-release some old faves repackaged in a shiny new box.

Not so the 'Snake, who have been busy scribbling some fresh tracks and are really rather chuffed with the result - their first studio album in a decade.

And so they should be.

It doesn't so much grow on you as jumps straight on your back and clings there, no matter how hard you try to shake it off.

It's a not unrecognisable blend of hard rock, soul, blues and balladry, but Coverdale and Adrich have also succeeded in pulling something else out of the bag.

It's gritty, it's masterful - and yes, a little surprising.

Still a naysayer? Just whack opening track Best Years up to 11 and they will soon have your attention.